Groundbreaking of the Ninth Ward Chapel

A handful of documents and Glenn Goodrich's memories are all I've found thus far to tell the story of the 9th Ward chapel groundbreaking. Admittedly, much more time could have been spent searching for more sources and talking to more people.

Still, I'm pleased with what has survived. Not every ward is as fortunate. I love that we have a photo of the groundbreaking, shovels and all. Elder LeGrand Richards of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles was the visiting dignitary. If you don't recognize the name of LeGrand Richards, check out this wonderful moment from General Conference.

The manuscript history entry adds a little bit more information. A dance was held after the groundbreaking in the First Ward Chapel. A couple of weeks after the groundbreaking, J. Richard Fluhman and Charles Shirley were set apart as building supervisors.

Ninth Ward meeting minutes provide even more information. The groundbreaking occurred at 7 o'clock pm. When you realize that May 1, 1959 was a Friday, that makes some sense. The minutes note the speakers and their subjects, the opening prayer and closing prayers and visitors. Our current ward members may enjoy learning that a musical number, "You'll Never Walk Alone," was performed by Glenn and Marilyn Goodrich and that "We Thank Thee Oh God for a Prophet" was sung by the congregation with Glenn Goodrich conducting the music and Marilyn Goodrich accompanying on her accordion. The dance started at 9 o'clock with music performed by Calvin Beecher and his orchestra.

Some good information, but Glenn filled in some more details. It was difficult to get a piano to the site, so Marilyn Goodrich used her accordion to accompany the music. Glenn remembered needing to take out a few peach trees (recall that the building site had been a peach orchard) to make room for the event. Finally, Glenn was the Explorer Scout leader and the young men and their leaders were responsible for "hauling tons of folding chairs for the ceremony." I asked Glenn about the dance and he replied, "Marilyn and I loved to dance but we must've had other conflicts or I would probably remember the dance."

A granddaughter of Glenn and Marilyn Goodrich, Sydney Ausseresses, painted this portrait of Marilyn with her accordion. Looking at this makes me think that the groundbreaking must have been quite an event. One that warranted a big celebration.

If you have memories of the chapel groundbreaking or know of sources related to the event, please share. Or if you have memories or sources about any part of our ward's history, even recent, we'd love to hear about them.

As noted above, two weeks after the groundbreaking, construction supervisors were set apart and sustained. Here are minutes of the priesthood meeting where that occurred.